Thermal properties and combustibility of elastomer-protein composites.

This article presents the test results of thermal properties and flammability of crosslinked nitrile rubber in the presence of zinc oxide or nano-zinc oxide containing waste keratin, using the test results obtained by means of a derivatograph, DSC, and oxygen index. The influence of modified montmorillonite (NanoBent) on selected properties of investigated elastomer-protein composites has also been studied. The composites' thermal stability and flammability depend on the method of composite preparation and the quantity of added keratin. The addition of waste keratin reduces the flammability of NBR-keratin composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]